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How would you handle a run-in with Europe’s heaviest land mammal on your morning walk? Don’t worry – no need to answer that, because the mammals in question will soon have their own bridges, separated from the footpaths tramped by human riff-raff like you and I.
In the wilds of Kent, construction is underway on four bison bridges, which will be the first of their kind in the UK. The bridges will allow Britain’s only free-roaming bison to traverse a nature reserve outside Canterbury, whilst pedestrians admire them from separate footpaths overhead. After all, this isn’t just any herd – we’re talking about local celebrities here.
Europe’s last wild bison was shot in 1927, but the species has been bred in captivity to prevent it from dying out. They play an important role in biodiversity and research suggests they help areas of nature to capture more carbon. In 2022, Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust released the herd into the West Blean and Thornden Woods. The herd has welcomed two calves since then.
Though some countries allow wild bison to roam freely, they’re classified as dangerous by UK law. Until now, this has limited the Kentish herd’s grazing area to 50 hectares, which avoid the many public footpaths zigzagging through the nature reserve.
The new bridges, however, will give the bison access to an extra 150 hectares of land. Footpaths will run on land above the bridges, allowing walkers to look from a safe distance.
National Highways, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a group of wildlife charities have teamed up to fund the £1 million endeavour. It’s a good sign for the re-wilding movement, which is trying to repair damaged ecosystems by creating conditions where animals and plants can thrive.
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